What Can Scarsdale Girls Learn from Sheryl Sandberg?

(This article was contributed by Tina Henderson) The empowerment of women continues to be of utmost importance in our society. Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook and creator of the "Lean In" movement, reminds us "despite decades of efforts and some visible exceptions, the number of top women leaders in many fields remains stubbornly low: for example, 21 of the current Fortune 500 chief executives are women." (New York Times article, "A Titan's How-To on Breaking the Glass Ceiling," February, 22, 2013). Ms. Sandberg's effort has generated criticism from some pundits who believe her perspective comes from an elite and privileged position. We would argue that her consciousness-raising is timely and fantastic.

Women "hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in," Sandberg writes. This must change; it can change and should change. The change should start with teenage girls. Why not tackle this concern earlier on during adolescence? Why not encourage girls to find their authentic voice, to speak out, believe in themselves, and pursue their passions?

Scarsdale's own Girls Center, the unique empowerment program, sponsored by Scarsdale/ Edgemont Family Counseling does just that. Rooted in research by Carol Gilligan and Rachel Simmons, suggesting that girls often lose their voices in the middle school years, The Girls Center, is on a heartfelt mission to boost young girls' confidence, pointing them towards leadership positions, authenticity and resilience. As one participant from last year's program said. " The Girls Center made me more open, more sure of myself. It helped improve my confidence and allowed me to feel comfortable and not alone with who I really am."

Scarsdale's own innovative approach to women's empowerment, TGC, has a lot in common with Sandberg's 'Lean In" movement. The only difference is we believe starting earlier is key. We, at The Girls Center, are passionate about helping our very own young women become the leaders and shapers of tomorrow. Won't you join in?
**TGC opens its doors March 7th. We still have a few spots left. Please call SFCS at 723-3281 by March 1st to enroll.

Tina Henderson is a long time middle school teacher and tutor. She recently co-founded The Girls Center with fellow educator and author Laurie Albanese. She studied under Carol Gilligan at The Harvard Graduate School of Education and since then has been passionate about empowering teenage girls.